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 Credits Contents
Writer Proofreading Credits & Contents 1
Lawrence Whitaker Ted Chang
Introduction 2
Editor Playtesting Japan and the Heian Era 4
Charlotte Law Tony Higgins, Scott Life in Japan 21
Hughes, Steve Pettifer & Land of the Samurai Characters 31
Cover Art Matt Roberts
Wquipment of the Samurai 53
Chris Quilliams
Special Thanks Religion and Faith 60
RuneQuest Logo Adrian Walters, Andrew Magic of Japan 71
Anne Stokes Williams, Georgina Ways of the Warriors 82
Calderbank, Newt Newport
Creatures of Japan 91
Interior Illustrations and Pete Nash
Jesse Mohn, Leonardo Borazio, Ki For the Sensei 106
Marco Morte, Nathan Furman Beneath an Opal Moon 110
and Phil Renne (Scenario)
Glossary of Japanese Words 120
and Terms
Index 123
C o p yrig h t I n fo r m a t i o n
RuneQuest Land of the Samurai ©2008 Mongoose Publishing. All rights reserved. Reproduction of of this work by any means
without the written permission of the publisher is expressly forbidden. All significant characters, names, places, items, art and
text herein are copyrighted by Mongoose Publishing.

This game product contains no Open Game Content. No portion of this work may be reproduced in any form without written
permission. To learn more about the Open Game License, please go to www.mongoosepublishing.com.

This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United Kingdom. This product is a work of fiction. Any similarity to
actual people, organisations, places or events is purely coincidental.

RuneQuest is a trademark (TM) of Issaries, Inc. Produced under license from Issaries. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

1
 INTRODUCTION
Ancient Japan has held a long fascination for the west. period, leading to a radical progression of belief and
The formality of the society, steeped in notions of philosophy but also to schisms within the religious
honour and debt almost unheard of in the west; the infrastructure. In the latter half of the Heian period the
traditions of the samurai and their code of bushido; temples and monasteries took on a pseudo-militaristic
the enigmatic ninja and the duality of the Shinto and approach, partly out of necessity, partly in response to
Buddhist religious philosophies – each contributes to the power base in the Imperial court and this offers a
a unique society that is ideal for adventure on many perfect backdrop for Japanese mystics and magicians.
different levels. Fourthly, women occupied a unique place in Japanese
society that was thoroughly diminished in the feudal
era. Women were power-brokers, artists, thinkers and
W hat P erio d is shapers of the cultural changes that marked the Heian
th e S et t ing? period from its predecessors and successors. Finally,
The most famous feudal period is that of Sengoku this is an era of Japan largely unexplored in roleplaying
(‘warring states’). The setting for RuneQuest Land games, which have concentrated on the feudal period.
of the Samurai is based on the earlier, Heian period This is fertile ground and RuneQuest wishes to tread
(794 – 1192). It was in this era that the samurai began it. We know you, the Games Masters and players, will
their ascent to power as a socio-military force and it thoroughly enjoy it.
encompasses a burgeoning period for the arts, religion
and culture. Whilst the Emperor rules supreme, true
power is held by the Fujiwara nobility, which exercised Wh a t D o I N e e d
regency throughout the period. to Know?
This book assumes the reader is new to historical Japan,
The Heian (pronounced HEE-yun) period predates the although those with knowledge of it through popular
Sengoku period archetypes. Ninja, that staple of popular mediums and historical research should not find it
Japanese and now western, culture, did not come into wanting. Within these pages you will find everything
existence until much later. The warrior tradition of the needed to create an authentic sense of mythic Japan
bushi was in its formative years and the shogunates – the using the RuneQuest rules system.
military dictatorship that controlled medieval Japan –
came into being at the end of the Heian period. However,
as this is intended as a mythic interpretation of the Heian Wh a t O t h e r B o o ks
era, guidance is given on including anachronisms such Do I Need?
as the ninja. Aside from this book, you will need the RuneQuest main
rules and the RuneQuest Companion. Other books that will
There are several reasons for focusing on the Heian prove useful but are not essential, are RuneQuest Monsters
period. First, most, if not all, the most crucial elements (volumes I and II), RuneQuest Arms and Equipment,
of the feudal period were developed during this time. RuneQuest Legendary Heroes and the RuneQuest Spellbook.
It is therefore an opportunity to explore the rise of
the samurai, the establishment of the shogunate and
the decline of imperial Japan. Second, power was Wh a t i s i n t h i s B ook ?
consolidated into the hands of one or two clans, each Japan and the Heian Era
with different agendas and this provides a perfect This chapter gives a full overview of the setting for
backdrop for a diverse range of character types without RuneQuest: Land of the Samurai, with information about
the dominance of the samurai that transpired the islands, its provinces, and people. This chapter also
in later eras. Thirdly, certain key precepts of provides an extensive timeline for the Heian era, noting
Japanese Buddhism were developed in this key personalities and events; historical and mythical.

Introduction
2
Life in Japan Magic of Japan
The social, personal and political customs of Heian Full guidance on how the various magic systems of
Japan are explored and explained, including the Japanese RuneQuest should be treated in Land of the Samurai,
calendar and time notation. along with new spells and Kai abilities.

Character Creation Way of the Warriors

Full guidelines on creating a RuneQuest character for Land An overview of the martial classes of Japan: the samurai,
of the Samurai with new professions, skills, a clan/family the sōhei and as an optional inclusion, the ninja.
table and the introduction of the On system, used for
measuring personal and family honour. Creatures of Japan
The monsters of Japanese myth and legend.
Equipment of the Samurai
An overview of traditional Japanese equipment, Ki for the Sensei
including new weapons. Campaign advice for the Games Master and an
introductory scenario Beneath and Opal Moon and
Religion and Faith a full Glossary of words and terms used throughout
Detailing the Buddhist and Shinto faiths, with this book.
descriptions of the key beliefs and major deities.

Introduction
3
 JAPAN AND THE HEIAN ERA
This chapter fulfils two objectives: to describe Japan the From the void something heavy and opaque took shape; a complete
place and to give an overview of the Heian period, which contrast to the light and insubstantial Plain of High Heaven and
will be explored in greater detail in the chapters to come. this was the earth, which was like an oyster pearl, coalescing within
Most people are familiar with some aspects of Japan; the shell of the void. On this heavy, ungainly place, two further
that it is a collection of islands; that it embodies strict deities appeared. These were Umashi-Ashi-Kahibi-Hikoji-no-
social codes; that it has a long, highly evolved culture Mikoto (the Pleasant Reed-Shoot Prince-Elder Deity) and Ame-
and that it has experienced great localised turbulence no-Tokotachi-no-Mikoto (The Heavenly Eternally-Standing
(wars and natural disasters) throughout its long history. Deity). They looked about the world and saw it was incomplete
However, there is much more to understand and learn and adrift in the void but did nothing at that particular point. So
and so in this chapter we present the facts about this it was that, after these five deities came into existence, so did many
fascinating country, from the perspective of the 9th and more; however, surrounded by the chaos, there was little for them to
10th Centuries. do except observe and so that is precisely what they did. Eventually
though, Izanagi and Izanami, two of the deities of Heaven, were
However, RuneQuest is also a fantasy game and whilst told to descend to the nebulous earth and make it substantial. This
this book strives for historical accuracy, woven into the they did together, by pushing the point of the spear, Ama-no-
factual material is a certain degree of myth and legend. Nuboko, into the murkiness surrounding the pearl. As Izanagi
There are also some deliberate anachronisms. Ninja, for drew-up the spear, droplets fell from it and formed islands, with
example, do not strictly appear until the later, feudal era Onokoro being the first. This creation caused much delight between
but they are eluded to here and offered as a character the two and they descended to the island and made it their home.
option in the Chapter beginning page 31. Whilst this
subverts the historical veracity, ninja and the like have In its centre Izanagi and Izanami erected a pillar which was
become such staples of the west’s perception of ancient named Heavenly August Pillar. Around the pillar they built a
Japan and are such an enticing concept for adventuring, great palace called the Hall of Eight Fathoms. Then, the two
that we feel a case can be made for deliberately skewing circled the pillar from opposite directions. When they met, Izanami
history to include them in this, a fantasy RuneQuest greeted the handsome man approaching her and Izanagi greeted
setting. Thus, the Japan described throughout this book the beautiful maiden but told Izanami that it was improper for
should be viewed as a mythical, alternate Japan and the a woman to anticipate the greetings of a man. That settled, they
Heian era a mythical, alternate version of that period. embraced and from this first embrace came a creature that was
The mythical and anachronistic elements are clearly boneless and leech-like. Disgusted, Izanami and Izanagi placed
presented and so, if an authentic historical recreation the creature in a basket of reeds and set it adrift on the water.
is preferred by players and Games Masters, they can be Izanagi and Izanami embraced once more but the progeny was as
omitted easily enough. disappointing as the first. Seeking an answer, the two ascended to
Heaven and sought council. ‘The reason,’ they were told, ‘is because
the woman took precedence over the man when the first words were
Shint o C reat io n My t h uttered.’ Full of understanding, Izanagi and Izanami returned
First came the primal chaos, which endured for aeons. Then, to Onokoro and repeated their steps around the Heavenly August
finally, the Plain of High Heaven arose from the chaos and with it Pillar but this time, Izanagi greeted Izanami first. When they
was created the Ame-no-Minaka-Nushi-no-Mikoto, the August embraced, the offspring was, this time, perfect and was the island
Centre of Heaven and then came Takami-Musubi-no-Mikoto, Awaji. Next came Shikoku, followed by Oki and Kyushu; after
the August Producing Wondrous deity and shortly afterwards, a that, Tsushima was made and finally, Honshū. The two deities
third, who was Kammi-Musubi-no-Mikoto, the Divine Producing named the islands Oyashi- ma-kuni, the Country of the Eight
Wondrous deity. Together these three were known as Great Islands and Izanagi and Izanami continued to embrace,
the Creating Deities and they dwelt in Heaven and creating thousands of smaller island children that floated around
watched other formations from the primal chaos. the eight great islands.

Japan and the Heian Era

4
Japan and the Heian Era
5
 Th e Jap anese Is l a n d s
Japan consists of four main islands and countless
smaller islands scattered around its coastline, stretching
for some 3,000 kilometres end to end. The main islands
are Hokkaido, land of the Caucasian, barbaric Ainu,
Honshū, Kyūshū and Shikoku. There is mountainous
terrain throughout, with little in the way of farmable
land – perhaps a tenth of the total landmass of 378,000
square kilometres. Many of the islands’ mountains are
volcanic and whilst most are extinct, perhaps 30 or so
are still active, including Mount Fuji. Japan also lies on
a major fault-line in the earth, leading to earthquakes
and tsunami, which are much more of a threat than
volcanic eruption.

Climate
The Japanese climate is humid, with oppressively hot
summer months followed by torrential autumn rains,
making it possible to experience 11 or 12 centimetres of
rain in a single day; this means flash-floods and mudslides
are yearly threats with entire villages sometimes being
washed away in a torrent of blackened, unstoppable
mud that pours down from the hills. Yet the seasons are
clearly defined; in the glorious spring, cherry blossom
creates a blanket of peach across the country and in the
autumn the trees turn from green to burnished gold,
amber and bronze; both are seasons of great beauty Hokkaido is the land of the Ainu, a Caucasian people
and considered to be special times for all of Japan. The who claim to have arrived 100,000 years before the
summers and winters can be harsh and oppressive. In Japanese (‘the children of the sun’, as the Ainu know
the summer, monsoon rains are frequent, especially them) appeared in the southern islands. It is claimed by
in the south and in the winter deep snows are known the Ainu that they occupied Honshū before the Japanese
throughout the mountain regions when temperatures and were driven from these lands centuries ago, being
plummet to below freezing, especially in the northern pushed back into Hokkaido. Whilst considered to be
island of Hokkaidō. The central basin, around Lake barbarians, with a distinctly undeveloped (by Japanese
Biwa and the capital, Heian, is less extreme, with warmer standards) civilisation, they nevertheless engage in trade
temperatures in both the winter and summer months. with the Dewa and Mutsu Provinces of Honshū. Their
social traditions are simple; hunter-gatherers with no
form of central government. Their language is also
Hokkaido distinctly un-Japanese with a complex word structure
Hokkaido is frequently referred to as Yezo, a catch- very different from the language of the south. Tattooing
all description for any land north of Honshū. The is common, beginning at a young age with the tattoos
central area of the island is mountainous and volcanic, being worn around the mouth, gradually stretching
surrounded by the coastal plains. Summers are cool across the lower half of the face. As most men wear
and winters icy; in the winter months Hokkaido is thick beards and long hair, with little attention to personal
buried under thick snow and its lakes and rivers grooming, the tattoos become obscured with age.
turn into vistas of wintry beauty as the local
kami sleep and allow the island to succumb The Ainu live in small, close-knit extended families,
to the cold. building thatched huts around a central hall. Like

Japan and the Heian Era

6
the Japanese, they believe in the kami but hold myth ever since, as indeed, have many other mountains.
Grandmother Earth in reverence above Amaterasu-no- They are revered as the seat of many kami and are
kami, the Sun Goddess. There are no priests per se in worshipped as kami in their own right. The tradition of
Ainu settlements; all religious matters being attended sangaku shinko, meaning ‘mountain beliefs’ is especially
to by the clan elders. When an Ainu dies, he believes strong in Honshū, as evinced by the many temples built
his immortal spirit will travel to the Land of the Gods, in the higher reaches of the mountains, which have
there to hunt and live with the kami and perhaps, in consolidated considerable spiritual and political power
time, become a kami himself. – so much so that the temples support their own, private
armies and frequently engage in armed conflict over
The Ainu and the Japanese have clashed violently on both political issues and points of spiritual doctrine.
several occasions. In the early Heian period the Ainu
made settlements in northern Mutsu province, driving Honshū is divided into 51 separate Provinces, each
out the Japanese natives. In response to this Sakanouye controlled by either a daimyo, local warlords or a temple.
Tamuramarō was sent by the Emperor Saga to reclaim Beyond the provinces surrounding the capital at Heian,
the lands. Tamuramarō used force and tactics to drive the rule is fragmented and highly subject to local laws and
Ainu to the edge of Mutsu and then back to Hokkaido. dictates. In the sparsely populated northern Provinces,
He then established permanent garrisons at Izawa and such as Dewa and Mutsu, monsters roam freely,
Shiba to hold the Ainu at bay from northern Honshū. terrorising the inhabitants.
Sakanouye Tamuramarō was awarded the title Sei-i-Tai-
Shōgun, which translates to Barbarian Subduing General
– the first commander to hold the Shogun title. Kyushu
Whilst predominantly mountainous, some areas are
more hospitable than others. Kyushu, the most southerly
Honshu of the main islands, is bountiful, blessed with a balance
Largest and most heavily populated, Honshū is the of lowlands and mountains. Hospitable enough and
heart of Japan. The capital, Heian, is located here on flat enough for traditional agriculture, Kyushu supports
Lake Biwa and it is central to all the social and cultural many small farms and holdings raising livestock and
developments of the era. Honshū has the majestic growing vegetables. The hills are terraced and given over
Mount Fuji, the tallest mountain and an active volcano; to paddy fields and throughout the island cedar provides
the Shinano River (also known as Chikuma) is the excellent timber and much-needed stability to the soil.
longest in Japan, rising from Mount Kobushi, almost Kyushu is divided into nine Provinces: Bungo, Buzen,
in the centre of the island and flowing to the north- Chikugo, Chikuzen, Higo, Hizen, Hyuga, Osumi and
west, where it meets with the Sai River. Extremely hilly Satsuma, each ruled by a powerful daimyo.
and mountainous, the bulk of the populace is located in
the Kanto plain in the eastern quarter of the island but It was to Kyushu that Hononinigi, the Heavenly Prince,
communities of varying sizes are scattered throughout was sent by Takami-musubi no Kami and Amaterasu
the island, occupying the hills and lower reaches of the no Omikami (revered deities of Shinto). Hononinigi
mountains, which run for the length of Honshū. Despite brought with him the three sacred regalia of Heaven
the rigours of the terrain, Honshū supports agriculture, – the Mirror, Yata, the Sword, Kusanagi and the
cultivating rice, vegetables in the Kanto plain and fruit Magatama Jewels – which declared divine authority over
orchards in the Yamanashi region. the island. Hononinigi was accompanied by the five clan
chieftains: Ame no Koyane, who became the ancestor of
Mount Fuji was created in a single day from a flat and the Nakatomi clan; Futodama, the ancestor of the Imibe
fertile land. The farmer who lived in the area awoke to clan; Ame no Uzume, ancestor of the Sarume clan; Ame
find the ground shaking and rocking and believing it was no Oshihi, ancestor of the Otomo clan; and Amatsukume,
an earthquake, took to safety with his family. When the ancestor of the Kume clan. These clans still rule in
disturbance was over, Visu, the farmer, peered out to Kyushu and revere the Heavenly Prince, making much
find a mountain had appeared in the lands where once of their divine ancestry. In the Heian period Kyushu is
he cultivated crops. He named it Fuji-yama, ‘The Never thus the domain of the Five Clans and they do not cede
Dying Mountain’. Mount Fuji has dominated Japanese readily to the Imperial Court of the capital. The three

Japan and the Heian Era

7
 components of the Imperial Regalia are now kept at the thatch and are often in quite shabby states of repair,
Shinto shrine at Ise, with high-ranking samurai from depending on the wealth and disposition of the daimyo
each of the five clans providing a constant guard. for the area.

Shikoku
Meaning ‘the four countries’, Shikoku is separated from
Honshū by the beautiful Inland Sea and divided into
four Provinces: Awa, Iyu, Sanuk and Tosa. Divided
into northern and southern regions by the east-west
mountains, Shikoku is supportive of agriculture with rich
soils allowing a wide variety of grains and fruits to be
grown in addition to the staple of rice. Most people live
in the northern provinces of Awa and Sanuki, whereas
Iyo and Tosa are sparsely populated areas – mostly
isolated farms with suspicious, superstitious peasants.

Shikoku is famed as the birthplace of the monk, Kūkai,

born in Zentsuji in 774. Kūkai founded the Shingon
sect of Buddhism, following his visit to China and study
of tantric practices at the mountain temple at Mount
Kōya is the Shingon Kempo or head temple. Shingon
Buddhism is highly influential in the Heian period,
especially within the Fujiwara clan. Shikoku is therefore
an exceedingly important religious centre, not least for
its Eighty-Eight Temple Pilgrimage wherein the devout
visit, on foot, each of Shikoku’s 88 temples in turn, 88
being the number of ‘evil passions’ in Buddhism; the
pilgrimage thus represents striving for purity.

Given Kukai’s (or Kobo-daishi, as the monk s known

in Shikoku) pilgrimage to China and return with many
concepts embraced by the Japanese, Chinese culture and Most towns offer Buddhist and Shinto shrines, a tea
customs have a far stronger influence in Shikoku than in house that offers basic accommodation and the various
other parts of Japan. Kukai is said to have brought tea shop fronts of artisans and merchants, which are also
and important medicines from China and as the Heian their homes. The ruling classes tend to live outside the
period progresses, Kukai’s influence is felt throughout settlements in large estates befitting their status. Samurai
the islands as his teachings and findings are spread far on stipend live either within the daimyo’s compound
and wide by the Fujiwara and those allied to them. or may have a small lodging or residence in the closest
settlement. Samurai who have been granted their own
land will have built their own property, the size of which
To wns and C it ie s depends on how much they have to spend.
of Jap an Japanese cities tend to be built with the buildings relatively
Japan is not a populous country; its towns are close together and often built on a grid pattern although
comparable to large western, villages and its cities, with some of the older cities, such as Nara, are a little more
a few exceptions such as Nara and Heiankyō, haphazard. The properties of the Kuge and Buke, are
comparable to large towns. Settlements in the segregated and often protected by wooden palisades.
more remote provinces are relatively poor, Richer nobles set their residences in fine gardens but
with buildings of wood, bamboo and poorer ones make do with small patches of land.

Japan and the Heian Era

8
Roads in and between, settlements, are little better than impacted dirt tracks that, in the rains, become rivers of
churned mud with deep ruts and potholes to catch unwary ankles and cartwheels. In the richer cities, like the capital,
some streets are cobbled but this is, again, uncommon.

Pr ovinc es, C it ies an d T o w n s

Major Cities Kawachi Honshū Akasaka
Province Island and Towns Kazusa Honshū Ichinomoya, Sanuki
Aki Honshū Yoshida, Tsuda Kii Honshū Yuasa, Shingu, Koya
Awa Shikoku Tamioka, Muya Kozuke Honshū Yubiso, Kiriu, Takasaki
Awa Honshū Takeyama Mikawa Honshū Koromo
Awaji Honshū Sumoto Mimasaka Honshū Tsuyama
Bingo Honshū Shohara, Miyoshi Mino Honshū Yawata, Ogaki, Gifu
Bitchu Honshū Takahashi Musashi Honshū Edo, Hachioji
Bizen Honshū Okayama Hirosaki, Kamaishi,
Bungo Kyushu Oita, Usuki, Saeki Mutsu Honshū Iwagiri, Sendai
Buzen Kyushu Kokura, Nakatsu Nagato Honshū Hagi, Yoshida
Chikugo Kyushu Wakaisu Noto Honshū Wajima, Iida
Chikuzen Kyushu Fukuoka, Ori Oki Honshū Saigo
Dewa Honshū Yamagata Omi Honshū Kusatsu, Hikone
Echigo Honshū Niigata Osumi Kyushu Kajiki
Echizen Honshū Fukui Owari Honshū Tsushima, Nagoya
Etchu Honshū Takaoka Sado Island Aikawa, Minato
Harima Honshū Himeji, Ono, Ako Sagami Honshū Ogion, Hakone
Takayama, Mori, Sanuki Shikoku Tadotsu, Kotohira
Hida Honshū Funatsu Kamiizumi, Akune,
Higo Kyushu Udo, Kumamoto Satsuma Kyushu Izukuri
Hitachi Honshū Mito, Shimo-Date Settsu Honshū Osaka, Kobe
Nagasaki, Imari, Shima Honshū Taba
Hizen Kyushu Shimabara Shimosa Honshū Sawara, Chiba
Hoki Honshū Sakai, Hashizu Shimotsuke Honshū Ashio, Tochigi, Sano
Hyuga Kyushu Miyazaki Matsumoto, Iida,
Iga Honshū Ueno Shinano Honshū Susaka
Iki Honshū Katsumoto Suo Honshū Yamanouchi
Inaba Honshū Tottori Suruga Honshū Omiya, Kojima
Ise Honshū Tsu, Yamada, Kanbe Tajima Honshū Hamasaka, Izushi
Iwaki Honshū Shirakawa, Taira Tanba Honshū Fukuchiyama, Sonobe
Iwami Honshū Nagahama, Omori Tango Honshū Miyazu
Iwashiro Honshū Nihonmatsu, Sukawara Tosa Shikoku Kochi
Iyo Shikoku Matsuyama Totomi Honshū Hamamatsu, Sagara
Izu Honshū Atami, Yugashima Tsushima Honshū Takeshi, Izugahara
Izumi Honshū Tarui, Sakai Wakasa Honshū Obama
Izumo Honshū Mori, Matsue, Hirose Heiankyō, Miyako,
Kaga Honshū Kanazawa Yamashiro Honshū Saga
Kai Honshū Kofu Nara, Yagimoto,
Yamato Honshū Takada, Toba

Japan and the Heian Era

9
 Th e Heian P eriod by China, including its system of government and its
alphabet. Kammu’s reforms allowed people to study,
The Heian period spans 398 years of Japanese history, question and change these old ways and a truly Japanese
lasting from 794, when the Imperial capital was culture, with unique philosophies and outlooks, began
relocated from Nara to Heian (now Kyoto), until 1192 to emerge.
when the first Shogunate was established, signalling
true martial rule and the beginning of the feudal era. The Heian period was also an enlightened one for
The Heian period was one of relative peace, punctuated women. Although women were still expected to be
by several decisive martial clashes between temples, deferential to men, Heian women wielded a great deal
families, warlords and armies. It was in this period that of personal power in matters of court and government.
the samurai began its inexorable rise as a social class and They were free to pursue their own interests and many
saw the Buddhist temples consolidate and exercise their of the great literary works of the era, such as ‘The
power, both spiritual and military, to achieve their own Pillow Book’, which details the extraordinary goings-on
ends. Most of the institutions and cultural traditions that in courtly life, were penned by women. The subjugation
are unique to Japan were founded in the Heian period women experienced in the later, feudal periods of
and it was a period that saw the Japanese forge their Japanese history are largely absent in Heian Japan and
own cultural identity after being dominated by China. indeed, it was female endeavour that drove many of the
The Heian period saw the development of the Japanese social and cultural advances of these four centuries.
alphabet, the writing of the first novel and profound
religious developments within the Japanese Buddhist Despite this cultural prosperity, the period was not
faith, complete with schisms, political manoeuvring and without periods of strife. Famine and natural disasters
outright bloodshed to achieve certain ends. continued to plague Japan and whilst the era is one of
relative peace compared with the feudal era, the Heian
In 794 the Emperor, Kammu, decided to encourage period was beset by petty wars between clans, families,
people to study and improve, spiritually and would-be warlords and even the Buddhist temples.
educationally. He did this in two ways. First, he abolished Cultural change brings about conflicts of ideology,
the traditional, hereditary privileges that allowed property and faith and the rise of the military classes;
the sons of high ranking officials to take influential the samurai and sōhei, are directly attributable to the
government positions without first passing a classical times. Indeed, the end of the Heian period is marked
examination. This ensured that the brightest and most by the final series of battles known as the Gempei Wars
educationally enlightened were the ones who moved when two clans, the Minamoto and the Taira, vied for
into the corridors of power, rather than the posts simply complete control of Japan and fielded their warriors in
being handed-down to whoever came along and had the several bloody engagements.
right family connections. Second, Kammu introduced a
scholarship system for the students of Chinese Classics The Heian period is thus a time for heroes in all fields:
and History so that they would not starve whilst they spiritual, as the cases of Kukai and Saichō, founders of
studied. This attracted people to education and ensured differing schools of Buddhism; cultural, as in the case of
that those who were willing to invest in learning would Kiyohara no Motosuke and his daughter, Sei Shōnagon;
then be better placed to find a good job within the state and militarily, with warriors such as Taira Masakomo
once their education was complete. These two reforms and Minamoto Yoritome, whose martial prowess and
laid the foundations for the extraordinary development strategic brilliance encouraged and embodied the
of the Japanese government in the early days of the samurai tradition.
Heian period. Education brought about a cultural and
spiritual awareness that allowed the Buddhist faith to
firmly secure its own position as an equal state religion Three Families
with Shintoism. It also led towards many cultural shifts The Heian period is dominated by three names; three
that took Japan away from the Chinese systems great families. The Fujiwara, the Minamoto and the Taira
that had dominated the earlier, Nara period. clans consolidated and controlled state power for 400
Up until Kammu’s reign, Japan has retained years. The Fujiwara clan was the most influential but in
many of the institutions put in place the late Heian period (1075 onwards), its power reached

Japan and the Heian Era

10
its peak and Fujiwara dominance over the Emperor between these two immense clans signalled a change
and state began to diminish as the Insei or Cloistered, in the way Japan was ruled, passing from a civil state
Emperors shifted the balance of power. into the military dominance of the Shogunate, under
Minamoto control.
The Fujiwara clan exercised power by cleverly marrying
its female members into the imperial line and then acting
as regents when the accession took place. Members Rise of the Samurai
of the Fujiwara clan were either appointed or created The accretions of power brought about by the
appointments for themselves, to all the key offices of the economic and social changes of the Heian period led
state, thereby threading Japan’s political system with the to many family and clan heads becoming wealthy shoen
Fujiwara silk. Its influence was almost total and whilst or landowners. To maintain their status and police their
largely benign, provoked both envy and enmity. The lands they found it necessary to form their own private
Emperor became little more than a puppet for the Fujiwara armies. Previously the army had served the Imperial
clan but revered as a kami, few ever considered going Court solely but the mid Heian period sees a shift in the
against the wishes of the Emperor and his Court. Those power-base, especially when various political reforms
that did, like Taira Masakado, were ruthlessly put down. were suggested to curb the growing wealth and status
Thus, the Fujiwara clan, through clever manoeuvring of the shoen. The private armies of the landed families
and dynastic engineering, became absolutely central to became factions in their right and began to strengthen
the Heian power structure, ensuring its members were the codes of honour and prestige that had begun in their
placed in every key position and always ready to further imperial days.
Fujiwaran interests, whilst keeping in the check the upstart
ambitions of the Minamoto and Taira. These were the samurai. The name is linked to a warrior
but in reality the samurai are an entire social caste,
The Minamoto clan grew out of those males in the dedicated to service and committed to the codes of
Imperial Court who were ineligible for accession to the honour ensuring that service. In the Heian period the
throne. The Emperor Saga was the first to bestow the status of samurai is a title of prestige and difficult to
title of Minamoto (known also as the Genji, a contraction acquire although it is possible for humble spearmen
of the Chinese character, gen, for Minamoto and uji, for to cross social ranks and become samurai, gaining all
family) and several others followed suit. Those given the privileges of the class. During the 10th Century the
the Minamoto surname ceased to be members of the allegiance of the samurai shifted from direct support
Imperial family and were allowed to forge their own of the Emperor to the shoen of the outlying provinces.
destiny. The key Minamoto holdings are in the centre The samurai pledged loyalty to a family or clan head – a
and north of Honshū but as the Minamoto line has daimyo – and in return were paid well for their efforts.
grown, it has split into many separate family factions The samurai protected estates and holdings from rebels,
– all united by the Genji name – and so its influence robbers and bandits and when the occasion called for it,
spreads throughout Japan. against other daimyo.

The Taira clan, dominating southern Honshū’s, grew Many of the samurai families serving in this way were,
in a similar way to the Minamoto, with their honorific initially, of relatively humble origins but through their
surname being granted by the Emperor when certain dedication they attained further prestige and personal
members of Court became subjects and thus ineligible wealth allowing them, in turn, to become shoen. Some
to succeed to imperial power. The Taira are also known samurai claimed to have aristocratic lineage, usually from
by the title Heike, another contraction of the Chinese some minor imperial noble sent out into the provinces
hei and ke, meaning family. The Taira clan came to to make his own way in life. These particular clans, able
dominate the Imperial Court in much the same way that to trace their lineage to the Emperor, found it easier to
the Fujiwara did but had a much shorter exercise in such gather allies and followers, strengthening their positions.
power. Throughout the Heian period the Minamoto The two best examples are the Minamoto and Taira clans,
and Taira clans maintained an intense rivalry which which through being entitled by the Emperor, went on
culminated in the Gempei War at the end of the Heian to accrue private armies that ensured their positions. The
era and saw the Taira’s demise. This final confrontation samurai class thus rose to a role of considerable social

Japan and the Heian Era

11
 and military importance during the Heian period and The yamabushi, whilst certainly warrior monks, are
this importance and continuing accrual of wealth led to not organized into armies in the same manner as the
the samurai finally shifting the power-base of Japan to sōhei. Yamabushi are adherents to the Buddhist sect
the first Shogunate and the start of the feudal era where of Shugendo, which combines elements of Shinto
everyone deferred to the samurai. and esoteric Buddhism and have their own rituals and
secrets that are quite distinct from the main Buddhist
factions. The key sects served by the yamabushi are
Rise of the Warrior Monks the mountains of Ominesan (Kinbusen-ji), Kōyasan
With the move of the capital from Nara to Heiankyō, the (Yamoto province), Ushiroyama (Bitchū province),
amount of power and influence the Nara temples had Daisen (Hōki province), Kumano (Kii province) and
on the Emperor and Court was reduced. When the new various mountains in Dewa province.
temples were founded on Mount Hiei, the Nara temples
were angered and resentful. The temple of Enryakuji
on Mount Hiei was designed to operate outside of
the Office of Monastic Affairs, which was subject
to Nara dominance and it rapidly came to dominate
the aristocracy through its development of Tendai
Buddhism. Nara was thus supplanted as the spiritual
centre of Japan and deeply envious of Enryakuji.

To protect their own interests, which were frequently

disputed, the Mount Hiei and Nara temples began to
employ armed security men, drawn from low-ranking
samurai, ronin and those with martial prowess who
had come to the monasteries for spiritual reasons.
Over time and as the disputes between temples and
sects within temples, became more serious, the role
of these security forces expanded. The sōhei evolved
from being straight forward temple guards into
well-trained, well-armed private armies that helped
enforce temple business, protect the high ranking
priests when they descended from the mountain or
left their temples and to undertake certain acts that
Buddhist priests, reverential of life, could not conduct
directly. The sōhei developed into formidable forces
and towards the end of the Heian period, during the
Gempei Wars, sōhei proved to valuable allies to the
warring Minamoto and Taira clans.

The sōhei are religiously devout but as they are un-

ordained as priests, they are able to conduct themselves A Ch r o n o l o g y o f t he
in ways forbidden to the priesthood. Sōhei are feared
and respected in equal measure and whilst they occupy a
Heian Period
social strata quite separate to the samurai, their skills as Spanning almost four centuries, the Heian period is
warriors are every bit as legendary. filled with everything needed for intrigue and adventure.
The machinations of the various clans offer untold
In addition to the sōhei there are also the yamabushi opportunities for political scheming, double-crosses and
(‘Mountain Warriors’). The yamabushi are armed confrontation. The rivalry between the various
quite distinct from the sōhei, although the Buddhist temples offer similar opportunities but from a
two terms are sometimes interchanged. different perspective.

Japan and the Heian Era

12
 805: Private debts and outstanding taxes are cancelled
in recognition of the fact that the cost of building the
When should I set my Land of new capital and continuing military campaigns in the
the Samurai campaign? northern provinces (against the Ainu and others) is
The timeline in this chapter is extensive enough becoming unbearable for Japanese citizens.
for Games Masters to set a RuneQuest Land
of the Samurai campaign at any point in 805: The Tendai sect of Buddhism is founded by Saichō
the Heian period. The default date from the (also known as Dengyō Daishi) establishing the Tendai
point of view of this book is 1001; Ichijō is sect of Buddhism. The Imperial Court and government
Emperor, the Fujiwara clan is at the height of view the sect with great favour owing to its willingness
its power and the Minamoto and Taira clans to remain aloof from politics. The sect founds the first
are developing and consolidating their own. of its monasteries, Enryakuji, on Mount Hiei, north-east
The various Buddhist temples are divided and of the capital.
fractious, with established sōhei armies and the
various shoen lords are becoming daimyo in their 806: Heizei (Kammu’s son) becomes Emperor. In the
own right, attracting samurai and emulating the same year Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) founds the Shingon sect
achievements of the Minamoto and Taira clans; of Buddhism but the main temple will be built 10 years
allying with one or the other or attempting to later on Mount Koya in the Kii province of Honshū.
create their own dynasties. In the hills and
hidden valleys disenfranchised sorcerers are 807: By government edict sorcerers, diviners and priests
displeased at being outlawed and plotting their are forbidden to seduce, influence or intimidate the
own schemes against the Imperial Court and common masses. This edict forces those sorcerers and
the mighty Fujiwara clan. Seeing the rise of the magicians who had been openly practicing magic to flee
Great Families and wanting to emulate them, into exile; many developed direct grudges against the
oni and bakemono lords (see Creatures of Japan, Emperor and the Court and began plotting their revenge.
beginning on page 91) are establishing their own By contrast, the Court and government continues to call
territories in the more remote parts of Japan, upon the services of certain sorcerers and priests from
terrorizing locals and imposing yet further time to time to use their influence in precisely the ways
burdens on a beleaguered Imperial Court. This banned by the edict.
is a time ripe for great feats and adventure but
Games Masters can easily advance or regress the 809: Suffering from what is thought to be severe
specific date if they so wish. depression, Heizei abdicates the throne and retires to
Nara. His younger brother, Prince Kamino, becomes
the Emperor Saga. One year later Heizei, accompanied
by his chief advisor, Fujiwara Nakanari and his consort
Also included in this chronology are some entirely Kusuko and her brother, conspires to retake the throne
fictional events to contrast with the historical ones. by forcing the return of the capital from Heiankyō to
These concern mainly the incursions of various Nara. Many claim that Heizei had considerable sorcerous
supernatural forces into the world either through the help in his schemes but the plot is thwarted after much
machinations of certain disenfranchised sorcerers or bloodshed and Heizei is forced to become a monk. The
in response to the general turmoil Japan experiences other conspirators are forced to commit seppuku.
during the middle and later Heian period. These mythic
events are included to act as a spur and focus for a 816: Kūkai is given permission to establish a monastery
fantasy campaign and can be easily ignored if a purely on Mt. Kōya in Kii province.
historical campaign is preferred.
822: The temple of Enryakuji is given permission to
794: The Emperor Kammu moves the Imperial Court establish independent ordinations of priests, which
and capital city from Nara to Heiankyō. In the same year sunders the monopoly of ordination held by the
Kammu initiates his educational reforms to encourage temples of Nara and directly challenges the authority of
people into education. the old capital. This is the beginning of schisms within

Japan and the Heian Era

13
 the Buddhist faith and which will lead to open conflict The edict is generally ignored as farmers lease or sell
– political and military – between the various sects. their land (with local official connivance, of course) and
go to work on large estates in order to escape the tax
823: Emperor Saga abdicates and is replaced by his burden associated with land ownership.
younger brother, who becomes the Emperor Junna.
930: Suzaku, Daigo’s eleventh son, becomes Emperor at
823: The sect of Esoteric Buddhism begins in Japan when 14 years old. Fujiwara Tadahira becomes Regent holding
Kūkai is given the task of completing the construction power until 949.
of the Tōji temple in Heiankyō and to manage its affairs
once complete. 939 - 940: Taira Masakado stages a rebellion. Masakado
begins with an attack on the government’s outpost in
833: Nimmyō becomes Emperor. Hitachi Province and the governor is made prisoner. In
the winter of 939 Masakado conquers both Shimotsuke
850: Death of Emperor Nimmyō. Montoku becomes and Kozuke provinces and awards himself the title of
Emperor. Shinnō (New Emperor). The government in Heiankyō
responds by putting a bounty on Masakado’s head
858: With the death of Emperor Montoku, the nine- and, 59 days later, his cousin, Sadamori, whose father
year old Seiwa becomes Emperor. Fujiwara Yoshifusa, Masakado had attacked and killed, kills Masakado at
Seiwa’s maternal grandfather, becomes the first Fujiwara the Battle of Kojima. Masakado’s head is duly taken
Regent, holding power until 872. back to Heiankyō.

868: A schism in the Tendai sect splits the monks of 946: Murakami becomes Emperor, supported by
Enryakuji into two separate sects: the Sammonha (known Fujiwara Tadahira. Murakami gives the impression of
as the Temple Gate sect) and the Ennin, both named being a direct ruler but in reality the Fujiwara power-
after rival abbots. A third faction arises in the Miidera base has been consolidated and he is just as much a
temple located at the foot of Mount Hiei, known as the puppet as preceding emperors assisted by a regent. In
Enchin sect. reality The brothers Fujiwara no Sanetomo and Fujiwara
no Morosuke are the de facto rulers of Japan.
877: Seiwa abdicates the throne and is replaced by another
nine-year old, Yōzei (who was often said to be criminally 949: The first major incident between the Buddhist sects
insane). Fujiwara Mototsune becomes Regent. occurs when monks from Nara’s Todaiji temple gather
at the residence of an official in Heiankyō to protest
884: Yōzei is forced by Fujiwara Mototsune to abdicate. against a religious appointment that has displeased them.
The true reasons for the abdication are hidden from Monks from Enryakuji oppose them and a brawl ensues
the populace but people speak of Yōzei communing in which several monks are killed.
with dark forces and entertaining sorcerers. Kōkō
becomes Emperor. 967: Reizei becomes titular Emperor. Fujiwara Saneyori
becomes Regent.
887: Kōkō dies and Uda becomes the Emperor. Because
Uda’s mother is not a Fujiwara by birth, Uda hopes to 968: Minamoto Mitsunaka, holder of the title Chinfuju-
re-establish direct rule without Fujiwaran influence. shogun and is commander of the armies in the north,
denounces his kinsman Takaaki for conspiring to
897: Uda abdicates in favour of his son, who becomes revolt against the Emperor, thus foiling the Anna Plot.
the Emperor Daigo. In return, the Fujiwara help the Minamoto to grow in
power and popularity. Several demonstrations by various
902: An imperial edict is issued calling for the resumption temple factions, chiefly the Kofukuji monks of Nara,
of the system of allotting land according to the are targeted against the Fujiwara family.
number of people in the household. The
system had not been enforced due to its 969-970: Reizei abdicates the throne. Enyū becomes
impossibility to administer effectively. Emperor, with Fujiwara Koretada becoming Regent.

Japan and the Heian Era

14
Several Kofukuji monks are killed by Todaiji monks with the fabled Sword of Seven Cuts and the Buddhist
when a dispute over temple lands degenerates into temples defiled. The Minamoto and Taira clans, both
violence. Ryogen, the chief abbot of Enryakuji, decides of which have interests in Iwami province, form an
to maintain a permanent garrison at the temple, thus uneasy alliance and mount a three-year campaign to oust
heralding the establishment of the sohei (warrior-monks). Enezga. The war is fierce and many die on both sides
This decision runs counter to previous edicts Ryogen had but several heroes emerge.
issued, aimed at curbing the excesses of the Enryakuji
monks; specifically: confinement to Mount Hiei during 1000: Awabi sea demons begin attacking ships in the
their 12 year training period and being forbidden to Inland Sea, dragging sailors down to their depths of a
cover their faces or carry weapons. watery hell. On the island of Sado, the Hisa-Me demons
over-run the local settlements, led by the oni Magaru-Ie.
972: Fujiwara Kanemichi becomes Regent, remaining in Sado is declared a no-go area by the Regent.
power until 977
1001: The sorcerer, Tanagarō, travels to Heiankyō in
977: Fujiwara Yoritada becomes Regent. disguise, concerned with working magic against the
Fujiwara clan and the Emperor. A three-year search is
981: Armed confrontation between the Ennin and Enchin undertaken for the sorcerer and a series of mysterious
sects occurs when Yokei of the Enchin is named as the deaths occur amongst the Fujiwara. Many ordinary
Imperial Court’s choice as the abbot of the Hosshoji people are accused of being Tanagarō associates and
temple. The Ennin are angered because traditionally the several show trials condemn them to death. Tanagarō
Hosshoji abbot has always been from their sect. When is never found.
the Imperial Court refuses to reconsider its decision,
some 200 monks from the Ennin faction conduct a 1003: The island of Oki becomes the realm of Hoji,
violent demonstration in the capital at the residence of a spirit of pure evil who dwells in a column of stone
Fujiwara Yoritada. When they return to Mount Hiei they that was once located on the moors of Nau. A host of
intimidate the Enchin sect so badly that the latter flees ghosts and other malign spirits support him. The twin
the mountain. A group of 300 Enchin remain at their sorcerers Awaji and Awina are credited with stealing the
temple at Senjuin and Ryogen orders an armed assault stone column from Nau and moving it to Oki in order
against them. Major bloodshed is averted only when to perform dark rites.
Yokei agrees to stand-down as the Hossihoji abbot.
1004: The Centipede, long thought to have been killed
984: Kazan becomes the 65th Emperor. He is only 17 by the hero Hidesato, is sighted again in the mountains
and rules for just two years but during this brief period north of Lake Biwa. A reward of 1,000 koku and
he commissions the Shūi Wakashū, a collection of 1,351 clan status is offered to whoever kills it. The white
poems or waka sorcerer Basharo, a fallen Buddhist monk, claims that
the Centipede can only be killed if Hidesato’s sword is
986: Kazan is tricked into abdicating by Fujiwara no recovered from Hell.
Kaneie and Ichijō becomes Emperor with Fujiwara
Kaneiye his Regent. Kazan becomes a monk. 1006: Roads all across Japan are beset by nurikabe
– invisible walls that slow-down travel and disorient
990: Fujiwara Michitaka becomes Regent, lasting for travellers. Sorcerers are blamed.
five years when he is replaced by Fujiwara Michikane.
Michikane lasts for only seven days, dying in office. 1007: The dai-kumo (giant spider) Jijiri terrifies the
southern provinces of Honshū and is driven across the
996: Fujiwara Michinaga becomes Regent. isthmus to Kyushu but it is not destroyed. It gives birth
to 1,000 kumo which rampage across the island. Many
999: The bakemono Lord Enezga seizes territories in families send samurai to liberate Kyushu and kill Jijiri.
the Iwami province and establishes his own court, Later, territorial disputes break-out between the clans
drafting-in Ainu mercenaries and gaining the support and families involved in the liberation.
of the sorcerer Sushigawa. Local kami are murdered

Japan and the Heian Era

15
 1011: Sanjō becomes Emperor. By 1016 his sight has marks the start of The Early Nine Years War. Yoritoki is
become so bad that he is persuaded to abdicate by killed by Yoriyoshi’s forces in 1057 but the Abe family
Fujiwara Michinaga. fights on under Abe Sadato, inflicting a major defeat
on Minamoto Yoriyoshi when his warriors are caught
1016: Go-Ichijō becomes Emperor. (Go as a prefix in a blizzard and forced to abandon their attack against
means “the second.”). Sadato’s stockade. Sadato launched a daring counter-
attack and inflicted heavy casualties. Despite losing this
1017: Fujiwara Yorimichi becomes Kampaku (chief engagement, Yoryoshi’s 13 year old son, Yoshiie, earns
adviser to the Emperor). Meanwhile, Minamoto the title Hachimantaro – the first born son of the war kami
Yorinobu founds the Kawachi Genji line in Kawachi Hachiman; an accolade for both Yoshiie and his father
province. (who was noted for deeply caring about the welfare of
his men). The Abe family is finally subdued in 1062 after
1019: A noblewoman, Murasaki Shikibu, completes Abe Sadato is defeated and killed.
the Genji Monogatari (‘The Tales of Genji’). This is the
world’s first novel and is written for the women of the 1068: Go-Reizei dies. Go-Sanjō becomes Emperor
Imperial Court. The Genji Monogatari concerns the with Fujiwara Norimichi as Regent. Go-Sanjō’s rule is
life of one of the Emperor’s sons, known as Genji, marked by attempts to regulate trade and strengthen the
concentrating on his romantic life. Genji is noted for Imperial coffers, which have been severely depleted. His
his nobility towards women and never abandons a single attempts are largely in vain and in 1072 he abdicates in
one of his wives, although he engages on a long and favour of Shirakawa.
sometimes unfulfilling, series of romantic adventures
that includes the abduction of a 10 year old girl with 1072: Shirakawa becomes Emperor and Go-Sanjō
whom he becomes infatuated. After Genji dies, the becomes the Cloistered Emperor under the Insei system.
novel continues to follow the lives of Niou and Kaoru, This ancient system of rule permits an abdicating
Genji’s best friends. Emperor to continue exerting power. Despite the
fact that Go-Sanjō soon becomes ill and dies, he has
1028: Taira Tadatsune leads a revolt in the provinces of managed to weaken the Fujiwara Regency. Although
Kazusa, Shimosa, and Awa as he attempts to extend the the Fujiwara still hold important positions, this begins
territory under his control. The Imperial Court seeks the period where the retired emperor – not a regent -
to stop him and nominates Minamoto no Yorinobu, controls the government.
Governor of Ise Province, to lead the attack. Yorinobu
refuses and so the Court appoints Taira no Naokata and 1075: Fujiwara Morozane becomes Regent
Nakahara Narimichi, who make little progress against
Tadatsune and are soon recalled. The governor of 1083: Minamoto Yoshiie, Hachimantaro, is appointed
Awa flees to Heiankyō in 1030 and in 1031 Minamoto governor of Mutsu Province and with the help of
no Yorinobu the governor of Kai province, pursues Fujiwara Kiyohira, leads troops to put down an
Tadatsune. Knowing he could not defeat Yorinobu, insurrection of the Kiyowara family in Kanazawa. This is
Tadatsune surrenders without a fight and is taken known as The Later Three Years War. Yoshiie is an excellent
prisoner but dies on the way to the capital. samurai commander, having studied various Chinese
military classics. At the end of each day’s campaigning,
1036: Go-Ichijō dies. Go-Suzaku becomes Emperor. Yoshiie examines his men’s performance and assigns the
bravest warrior of the day ‘The Bravery Seat’ whilst the
1045: Go-Suzaku dies. Go-Reizei becomes the 70th worst is forced to occupy ‘The Cowardice Seat’.
Emperor.
1086: Shirakawa abdicates in favour of his son, Horikawa.
1050: Minamoto Yoriyoshi is appointed as both governor Shirakawa becomes Cloistered Emperor.
and commander-in-chief of Mutsu Province
in the north, specifically to subdue the Abe 1091: Minamoto Yoshiie’s military successes allow
family who, under Abe Yoritoki, are levying him to consolidate his own power base with extensive
taxes and confiscating land at will. This estates and samurai retainers. Fearing his growing power

Japan and the Heian Era

16
and formidable reputation, the Imperial Court issues Minamoto Yorimasa, renowned archer and poet, stops
an edict forbidding farmers to commend their lands to the monster with a single arrow.
him and declares that his samurai are forbidden to enter
the capital city with him. Yoshiie, however, with a full 1141: Emperor Sutoku abdicates and Konoye becomes
retinue, returns to the capital after the Three Year War takes his place. Toba remains as Insei.
and resumes his posts as Commander of the Palace
Guards and the Sovereign’s Escort. 1153: With Taira Tadamori’s death, Kiyomori becomes
head of the Taira clan.
1094: Fujiwara Moromichi becomes Regent but dies in
1099 after being cursed by rebellious monks who are 1155: Konoye dies, triggering a bitter succession dispute
causing trouble in the city until he takes action to stop between the supporters of Go-Shirakawa on one side
them. The rebellious monks are subdued, thanks, in and Sutoku on the other. Go-Shirakawa prevails and
large part, to the help of Yoshiie and his samurai. Dark becomes Emperor. Toba remains as Insei.
rumours circulate in the Imperial Court that the curse
that killed Moromichi was constructed with the help 1156: Fujiwara Yorinaga collects a few hundred warriors,
of the various sorcerers in hiding around Honshū. The under the leadership of Minamoto Tameyoshi and with
supposedly immortal sorcerer, Tanagarō, is blamed as Sutoku, establishes defences in a palace in the capital.
the ringleader. Fujiwara Tadamichi, Yorinaga’s brother, with Emperor
Go-Shirakawa’s assistance, raises his own army from
1105: Fujiwara Tadazane becomes Regent. both the Minamoto and the Taira clans challenging
Yorinaga. Yorinaga is killed in the battle that follows.
1107: Emperor Horikawa dies. His son, Toba, becomes Taira Kiyomori becomes an Imperial favourite and
Emperor with Shirakawa remaining as Insei Emperor. advisor, whilst Minamoto Tameyoshi is condemned to
death. This period of insurrection is known as the Hogen
1108: Minamoto Yoshiie’s eldest son, Yoshichika, is no Ran and it marks the beginning of the final struggle
banished to Sanuki for an offence against the court. for supremacy between the Minamoto and Taira clans.
He escapes and returns to Izumo where he leads an
uprising. This uprising is put down by Taira Masamori 1158: Go-Shirakawa abdicates (retiring to become
who is commended by the Emperor. Insei) and Nijō becomes Emperor. Fujiwara Motozane
becomes his Regent.
1121: Fujiwara Tadamichi becomes Regent.
1160: In an event that comes to be known as the Heiji no Ran
1123: Toba abdicates in favour of his son, Sutoku. or Heiji Insurrection, Minamoto Yoshitomo, Tameyoshi’s
Shirakawa continues as Insei Emperor. son and Fujiwara Nobuyori, start another conspiracy to
overthrow the government, timing it for when Kiyomori
1129: Taira Tadamori, the son of Taira Masamori, leaves the city for a holiday. Leading a force of some 500
subdues several rebellions and piracy on the inland well-armed samurai, they manage to kidnap both Nijō and
sea. Like his father, he is given court rank in return and Go-Shirakawa. Nobuyori appoints himself Chancellor.
this signals the rise of military as a dominant force, Kiyomori is forced to return to Heiankyō and raise an
something that will inevitably lead to the establishment army of his own, helping to free the Emperor and ex-
of the Shogunate. Emperor from the palace. Weeks of fighting across the
capital ensue but eventually the uprising is crushed, with
1129: Insei Shirakawa dies and Toba takes his place. the help of sōhei from Mount Hiei. Yoshitomo is betrayed
and killed by one of his retainers and the only Minamoto
1136: A monster – an Oni summoned by Tanagarō or males remaining from the main family are his sons
one of his disciples, such as the exiled Lady Nagara no Yoritomo, Noriyori and Yoshitsune.
Muji – rampages through the Imperial palace, slaying
several Court officials and heading towards the suite of 1165: Emperor Nijō dies and is succeeded by Rokujō,
the Emperor’s concubines, intent on rape and murder. who is only a year old when he is enthroned. Go-
Shirakawa remains as Insei.

Japan and the Heian Era

17
 1166: Fujiwara Motofusa becomes Regent The Gempei Wars: 1180 – 1185
. The Gempei Wars consist of many battles fought across
1168: Rokujō is deposed by Go-Shirakawa, following the provinces, with power constantly shifting between
pressure from the Taira clan and Takakura, Rokujō’s the Taira and the Minamoto, with Go-Shirakawa at
uncle becomes new Emperor – even though he is only the centre. Intrigues, double-crosses and fierce battles
three years older than his predecessor. Go-Shirakawa between two expert samurai commanders, Taira
remains as Insei. Takakura’s mother is Taira Kiyomori’s Kiyomori and Minamoto Yoritome, characterise the
sister-in-law and this leads to the rapid rise of the Taira five years of the Gempei and the final five years of the
clan’s power, supplanting that of the Fujiwara clan. glorious Heian era.

1175: Hōnen Shōnin founds the Jōdo or Pure Land, 1180: Having witnessed Kiyomori’s treatment of Go-
sect of Buddhism, the first truly independent Japanese Shirakawa, Takakura abdicates and Antoku, Kiyomori’s
Buddhist sect. For much of his life Hōnen was a two-year old grandson, becomes Emperor. Go-
devout monk of the Tendai school but as Hōnen Shirakawa remains as Insei and Kiyomori becomes the
began to approach middle age he began to rethink the effective Head of State.
Tendai system. Hōnen read a Chinese text called the
Commentary on the Pure Land Meditation Sutra and came Minamoto Yorimasa, who was a respected member of
to believe that chanting the name of Amida Buddha the government, having refrained from taking sides
was all one needed to enter Amida Buddha’s Pure with the Minamoto against Kiyomori and the Taira,
Land, completely negating negative karma. He further plots to overthrow Antoku and Kiyomori and place
believed that social, religious or intellectual standing Prince Mochihito, the son of Go-Shirakawa, on the
had no bearing on entering the Pure Land. Hōnen thus throne. However the scheme is thwarted by Kiyomori
relocated to the district of Ōtani in Heiankyō where and while trying to escape, Prince Mochihito is captured
he started to preach to crowds of ordinary men and and killed while Yorimasa is wounded and chooses to
women and establishing a considerable following. commit seppuku.
Many that were traditionally excluded from Buddhist
practices, such as prostitutes, butchers, fortune-tellers In the summer Kiyomori forces the Emperor and Insei
and others, flock to hear him speak. Honen develops an to move the Imperial residence to Fukuwara, Kiyomori’s
excellent reputation and many priests and noblemen, residence on the Inland Sea. The plan fails and the
including the regent, Kujō Kanezane, join the Jōdo entire Court is forced to return to the capital that winter.
sect. By 1204 Hōnen has around 200 disciples, ranging Meanwhile, the Todaiji and Kōfukuji temples of Nara
from laypeople through to samurai. are attacked and burned on orders from Kiyomori, who
fears the temples’ military strength.
1177: Several minor Fujiwara nobles plot to assassinate
Kiyomori. Kiyomori discovers the conspiracy and has Minamoto Yoritomo, who had been exiled to Izu under
most of the plotters killed. In the same year, a great fire the guard of Hōjō Tokimasa, appointed by Kiyomori,
sweeps through Heiankyō, destroying about a third of raises a small group of supporters and attacks and
the city and killing thousands. defeats a local Taira official. Yoritomo then leads a small
body of troops out of Izu and over the Hakone Pass.
1179: Fujiwara Motomichi becomes Regent. In the same Yoritomo and his samurai clash with Taira forces at the
year and in response to Go-Shirakawa seizing Taira Battle of Ishibashiyama and the Taira army is victorious.
properties, Kiyomori marches into the capital with Yoritomo and his men are scattered but find safety in
several thousand troops in retaliation. Go-Shirakawa the Hakone mountains.
is placed under house arrest and numerous high
government officials are either banished or reduced in Undeterred, Yoritomo travels to the eastern provinces
rank. This heralds the beginning of the Gempei Wars. and raises a large army before then advancing to the
Suruga province. He is met by Taira forces but they are
surprised by a rear attack from supposed allies and are
forced to retreat. Yoritomo does not give pursuit and

Japan and the Heian Era

18
instead remains in Suruga to strengthen his position. Yoshinaka prefers to attack Yoritomo, who he fears and
Towards the end of 1180 Yoritomo establishes the hates but Go-Shirakawa convinces him to concentrate,
Samurai-dokoro in Kamakura, an office which regulates all instead, on the Taira.
the necessary affairs of the military, thereby centralising
and developing a solid strategic platform for further By the early autumn the Taira forces have reached
military engagements. Kyūshū and established a temporary Court at Dazaifu
but they are driven out by enraged local samurai and the
1181: Yoritomo’s uncle, Minamoto Yukiie, leads his temporary court is forced to move to Yashima, Shikoku,
troops into Mino province but is defeated by Taira directly across from Kojima Bay in Bizen province.
forces. The next month, Kiyomori dies and affairs of
state pass to his son, Munemori, who has no political Yoshinaka pursues the Taira and meets them on the
skills or acumen at all. The Imperial Court soon border of Bitchū and Bizen provinces where he is
descends into disarray. Meanwhile, Taira forces once defeated at the Battle of Mizushima. Following this
again defeat troops led by Minamoto Yukiie at the Battle defeat, Yoshinaka meets with the Taira and Fujiwara
of Sunomata River. In the summer, the Government leaders and a plot to seize the capital is hatched. The
orders the pacification of the Hokurikudo provinces of plan is to capture Go-Shirakawa and set up a new
the north where the Minamoto are gaining strength and government in the Northern provinces. Go-Shirakawa
preparing for rebellion. Taira samurai are despatched for hears of the plan and sends word to Yukiie who, in turn,
the task of quelling the Minamoto but are defeated at passes word on to Yoritomo.
Echizen by Minamoto Yoshinaka, Yoritomo’s cousin.
In the winter, Yoshinaka makes good his plan and
1182: Famine sweeps through the western provinces seizes the capital; his troops ravage the city mercilessly.
weakening morale in the capital as hunger and plague Yukiie leaves the city with his men and heads to Harima
affect thousands. Sorcerers, in league with the Minamoto, province where he launches an attack on the Taira but
are blamed by many and countless kami are petitioned he is defeated. Go-Shirakawa sends word to Yoritomo
for help but none is offered. The famine is so severe that asking him to come to Heiankyō to subdue Yoshinaka;
the Gempei war is brought to a halt for the year. however, Yoritomo, believing it is better for him to
consolidate his position in the eastern provinces, ignores
1183: Fujiwara Moroiye becomes Regent. That spring the request. After repeated requests, though, Yoritomo
Yoritomo launches an attack on Minamoto Yoshinaka calls on his brothers, Yoshitsune and Noriyori, to advance
out of distrust for Yoshinaka’s growing strength and on the capital and destroy Yoshinaka. Yoshinaka attacks
success. The battle stops when the two great samurai Hōjōji and takes Go-Shirakawa captive; he also sends
leaders reach an agreement. Shortly after, Taira Koremori troops to Ishikawa in Kawachi province to attack the
conquers Echizen province and seizes several of troops of Yukiie who had set up a garrison there and
Yoshinaka’s strongholds. This provokes Yoshinaka into was threatening the capital.
a counter attack and he succeeds in recapturing Echizen.
Koremori is defeated at the Battle of Tonamiyama 1184: With Yoshitsune and Noriyori converging on the
in Etchū province, which is known as the Battle of capital, Yoshinaka is forced to flee the city with only
Kurikara Pass. a few men. Noriyori gives chase and catches up with
Yoshinaka at Awazu in the province of Ōmi. Yoshnaka
In the summer Yoshinaka advances towards the capital is killed in the battle. Next, in the early spring of 1184,
from the north whilst Yukiie threatens from the east. Yoshitsune and Noriyori lead their troops out of the
Go-Shirakawa manages to escapes Heiankyō, where he capital and towards Yashima to attack the Taira and
is still under house arrest since Kiyomori ordered it four regain the control of the Emperor. The Taira abandon
years previously. He flees to Mt. Hiei whilst the Emperor Yashima, with the Emperor in tow, by sea. Taira troops
and his consorts flee to a monastery in the suburbs. The land in Settsu and begin to build a defensive position
Taira abandon Heiankyō and flee west with Emperor while leaving the Emperor on a ship with guards near
Antoku, his mother and a few attendants. Go-Shirakawa Wada Misaka. However, before the Taira defensive
is escorted into the capital by Yoshinaka and gives him positions at Settsu are completed, Yoshitsune and
a mandate to destroy Munemori and the Taira army; Noriyori attack, overcoming the incomplete defences.

Japan and the Heian Era

19
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